Back in 2015, when I first saw Police Cops and their show which went by the same name, it was clear that this trio of writer/performers would find success. Indeed they did, with the very funny Police Cops going on to win awards, and to spawn spin-offs Police Cops in Space and Badass Be Thy Name. Now the trio return to the Edinburgh Fringe with their biggest extravaganza yet, Police Cops The Musical.
This musical version follows much the same plot as their very first Police Cops, only this time accompanied by a surprisingly good musical theatre original Score by Ian Coulter and Bobby Goulder. The songs follow the musical magical formula, with plenty of big anthems, touching ballads and fun dance numbers that keep everyone entertained.
Police Cops are traditionally deliberately cheesy, and very much a pastiche of the genre they are tackling at any given time. So, there are more than a few in-jokes that will delight the musical lovers in the crowd. The rough around the edges approach, and on the spot improvisation, very much adds to the fun of it all.
But that shouldn’t distract from the talents of the group, these are talented writers, and equally exceptional performers. Zachary Hunt plays the main protagonist, the rookie who just want to be the best damn police cop in America, Hunt has an impressive signing voice that makes us wonder why they didn’t do a musical earlier. Nathan Parkinson delights the audience as Malloy/Hernandez, and helps to throw a few curve balls into proceedings too.
Tom Roe lights up the stage, appearing as Harrison (and many other roles). Roe seems to bring a mischievous streak to the production and you can’t help feeling he’s toying with his castmates. Joining the original Police Cops trio are Miztli Rose as Gonzalez/Billy and Gabriella Leon as Rosa, finally the troupe feel complete and this hard-working cast are ready to delight audiences again.
And delight us they do, I thought several audience members may hyperventilate, because Police Cops The Musical is one hilarious riot. It’s so slickly delivered, you might miss just how much the cast are putting in to make this one of the funniest shows at the Fringe.
Fans of this groups will not be disappointed, in fact I doubt anyone who sees Police Cops The Musical could be anywhere near disappointed. This latest offering is an absolute triumph, and gee officer, I sure hope it has a life after Edinburgh.
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